Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Extraction and characterization of Himalayan natural plant Fibers for blended textile production
*Article not assigned to an issue yet
Raj Sambaditya, Kulshreshtha Shweta, Jain Amit, Sharma Vinay
Research Articles | Published: 20 May, 2026
First Page: 0
Last Page: 0
Views: 57
Keywords: Mechanical characteristics, Textile, Plant fiber, Bageshwari Charkha, Hemp, Sisal, Wool
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable textiles has led to a renewed interest in local natural fibers. In the present study, we assessed the properties of nettle, hemp, sisal, and wool available locally in the Himalayan region. The plants were collected and processed for fiber extraction. This study assessed the physical and mechanical properties of these fibers to explore their potential for eco-friendly and sustainable textile production. In accordance with ASTM D-1577:2007 and ASTM D-3822:2007 protocols, fibers were tested for length, fineness, tenacity, elongation at break, and initial modulus. The results revealed considerable variation among fibers. Nettle fibers exhibited a length of 50.8 mm, a fineness of 17.08 denier, tenacity of 2.73 g/den, elongation of 2.39%, and initial modulus of 75.15 g/den. Sisal demonstrated superior tenacity at 6.27 g/den with a fineness of 57.79 denier but with coarse texture, which was not suitable for textile applications. However, hemp fibers showed balanced properties with 6.03 g/den tenacity and 17.96 mm fineness, which were suitable for textile applications. Local wool (Himalayan wool), with the finest texture (8.78 denier), presented a moderate tenacity (5.86 g/den) and the highest elongation (5.61%), suggesting excellent flexibility. The stress-strain curves revealed that each fiber exhibited different deformation behaviours. By integrating indigenous materials into mainstream textile industries, they can reduce dependency on synthetic fibers. They can also promote circular economy practices and sustainability, support local livelihoods, and minimize synthetic fibres.
References
Bacci L, Di Lonardo S, Albanese L et al (2010) Extraction of fiber nettle for textile purpose. In: Proceedings of the 22nd IFATCC International Congress.
Bergfjord C, Holst B (2010) A procedure for identifying textile bast fibres using microscopy: Flax, nettle/ramie, hemp and jute. Ultramicroscopy 110:1192–1197. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2010.04.014
Deepa R, Kumaresan K (2022) Stinging nettle fibres extraction and characterization using chemical retting method and influence of tensile properties. Ind Crops Prod 188:115551. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.INDCROP.2022.115551
Fednand C, Bigambo P, Mgani Q (2022) Modification of the mechanical and structural properties of sisal fiber for textile applications. J Nat Fibers 19:10834–10845. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2021.2002772 ;JOURNAL:JOURNAL:WJNF20
Haidir F, Fahma F, Firmanda A et al (2024) Review: Natural Fibres for Textile Application. IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci 1358:012006. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1358/1/012006
Hariharan H, Rajeshkumar G (2024) Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Sisal Fiber and Sugar Palm Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites. https://doi.org/10.32388/JT0ETV. Qeios 1–15
Islam S, Hasan MB, Kodrić M et al (2025) Mechanical properties of hemp fiber-reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic polymer composites: A comprehensive review. SPE Polym 6:e10173. https://doi.org/10.1002/PLS210173;SUBPAGE:STRING:FULL
Lindström K, Kadi N, Persson A, Berglin L (2024) A study of inter-fiber cohesion with quantitative measurement approach for staple fibers. Results Eng 23:102385. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RINENG.2024.102385
Raafi SM, Arju SN, Asaduzzaman M et al (2023) Eco-friendly scouring of cotton knit fabrics with enzyme and soapnut: An alternative to conventional NaOH and synthetic surfactant based scouring. Heliyon 9:e15236. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.HELIYON.2023.E15236
Rahaman MT, Pranta AD, Repon MR et al (2024) Green production and consumption of textiles and apparel: Importance, fabrication, challenges and future prospects. J Open Innov Technol Mark Complex 10:100280. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JOITMC.2024.100280
Samanta KK (2021) Applications of nettle fibre in textile: a brief review. Int J Bioresour Sci. https://doi.org/10.30954/2347-9655.01.2021.6. 8:
Samanta KK, Roy AN, Baite H et al (2023) Properties of himalayan nettle fiber and development of nettle/viscose blended apparel textiles. J Nat Fibers 20:2183924. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2023.2183924
Sharma B, Kumari N, Mathur S, Sharma V (2023) Development of an effective strategy using green synthesized nanoparticles to decolorize a representative dye used in textile industries of Sanganer, Jaipur (India). Vegetos 2023 361 36:154–162. https://doi.org/10.1007/S42535-022-00551-8
Stanton T, James A, Prendergast-Miller MT et al (2024) Natural fibers: why are they still the missing thread in the textile fiber pollution story? Environ Sci Technol 58:12763–12766.
Thapliyal D, Verma S, Sen P et al (2023) Natural fibers composites: origin, importance, consumption pattern, and challenges. J Compos Sci 7:506. https://doi.org/10.3390/JCS7120506
Author Information
Amity School of Fashion Technology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India